And then comes a note from Christina Warren, the manager of Financial Aid and Student Counselling at NSCAD, letting you that you’ve won a scholarship and funds are headed your way. Phew!

“Receiving a scholarship was a surprise for which I am very grateful,” says NSCAD student Haven Havok, recipient of the $2,500 Christine Lynds Memorial Bursary. “This semester was darkened by financial strain but now it is as if everything has been illuminated by relief. I am much more relaxed about affording everything for university; now I can focus on channeling creativity.”

Each semester, NSCAD’s Scholarship and Awards Committee distributes more than 70 scholarships, awards and bursaries ranging in value from $300 to $6,000.

“For myself, scholarships and bursaries have been essential to curbing student loan debt before it becomes unmanageable,” says Evan Meisner, recipient of the Prince Edward Scholarship, the most generous scholarship offered at NSCAD. It is funded by the Province of Nova Scotia. “They can make the difference between being able to afford a post-secondary education and having to miss out on experiences you will find nowhere else. Without these awards I would have had to postpone my future goals and miss some of those experiences.”

No matter how small or large, scholarships mean a great deal to the recipients, helping to offset the expense of a university education.

“There are some students who feel they don’t have a chance even when they have a healthy GPA. So they don’t end up applying and that’s really too bad because we have lots of awards,” says Christina.

The process of applying has been streamlined, so students only need to apply once a semester to be considered for the full range of scholarships and bursaries. (The exception is the Roloff Beny Scholarship, which funds a photography student’s off-campus study or exchange project.) Scholarships are awarded based on GPA and bursaries on financial need.

“We want as many students as possible to benefit from this money, which can make such a difference,” she adds.

Application forms for scholarships and bursaries are available online. The deadline for applications is Thursday, February 25 at 4 pm.

And, while we’re on the subject of scholarships and bursaries, we extend sincerest thanks to our generous donors and hearty congratulations to the recipients.